Ashok Chavan’s ouster, Thakre’s conduct compel party to change AICC plenary session location; Delhi now to host a low-key affair.
Following a series of controversial reports from Mumbai, the party has decided against letting the city host the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary session.
Mumbai was the most favoured destination for the plenary and the state government too was keen on hosting it. The plenary session, beginning on December 18, will mark the culmination of the Congress’ year-long celebrations, marking the party’s completion of 125 years.
But in wake of a series of scams emerging from the state, the Congress’ core committee decided against Mumbai. And now, the party has decided to make the plenary a low-key conclave in Delhi.
Former chief minister Ashok Chavan and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Manikrao Thakre had, six months ago, expressed their desire to host the conclave in Mumbai.
Senior leaders had given their consent. Thakre had started the preparations with Chavan promising full support. However, the infighting within the state Congress following video tapes’ expose, showing Thakre accusing Chavan of not contributing generously and compulsions to provide funds to the high command went against the state leadership.
A senior AICC functionary said, “We had envisaged grand plans. Mumbai was special as Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call for Quit Indian movement from this place. The Nehru-Gandhi family has wonderful memories about this historic place.
” Insiders maintained, “ Ashok Chavan wanted to use the conclave to further consolidate his position by playing a host. Having pulled two grand victories in 2009 assembly and parliament, the conclave would have set the stage for the coming BMC elections in 2012. But everything had to be abandoned after the scams rocked the state organisation and the government.”
The display of money power, discussed by Thakre with former minister Satish Chaturvedi (captured on video) when Sonia Gandhi’s rally was held at Sewagram, upset the central leadership.
Although the rally was a grand success, indicating Thakre’s hard work, his uncharitable remark about how the state has to fund the central leadership, went against the MPCC chief. The incident had raised a question over Thakre’s continuance as the MPCC chief.
However, within days Ashok Chavan landed himself in trouble following his alleged role in Adarsh housing scam. The AICC leaders were convinced that a party conclave in Mumbai, where chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has just taken the charge and the state unit is divided, would not help the party.
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